People hired for their competence in DEI running things at the Baltimore Port Authority is just one example of ideological hiring instead of merit based hiring. This folly is now affecting the airlines, corporate executive suites, hospitals, universities, everywhere you look. The result is predictable; plane crashes, plagiarizing college presidents, barges running amok, bridge disasters, the White House Press Secretary, etc.
I find it's impossible to talk rationally to Bidenites about DEI - yes, there are a lot of people in Santa Barbara who think Biden us doing a great job because they are doing just fine, now get out of my bubble you fascist Trumpie. If you even mention that there have been an alarming number of transportation accidents recently, they will wave their hands at you and quote some MSM article about how, for example, flying is still much safer than driving as though that addresses anything about rising problems due to DEI hiring practices.
While I find the problems raised in this newsletter intriguing, I can't help but notice a recurring pattern: every proposed solution seems to pivot towards electing a particular individual as president. Frankly, this trend is raising my suspicions. I believe it's crucial for us to consider a broader range of solutions rather than fixating on a single political figure as the answer to every problem.
Keep reading Phil, most here know the issues go much deeper than the "election of just one person". In fact most know that is not, nor ever should be enough since it takes a House and Senate to get anything substantive done in the political arena. Otherwise, voters express they prefer gridlock after all. That happens too.
Many here are pretty keen civics scholars, who may also accept the Andrew Breitbart principle that politics follows culture. There is an overriding sense the culture right now is of major concern the more it deviates from our original constitutional principles - freedom of speech particularly vs the "cancel culture". Limited government vs Big Government. Fiscal independence vs massive public debt. Micromanaging nanny state vs free market-Protestant capitalism. Fortress America vs global watchdog. Private property protection vs confiscation of private property. These too are cultural issues and go well beyond the election of any one person.
I think it is reasonable to assume we are witnessing a critical transitional time in this country on all those stated issues, which makes everything very fluid including our mutual understanding of what exactly our governing principles are today. Underscoring the need to be able to freely express our concerns. I hope you are open and not judgmental, when listening to these concerns and recognize the sincerity behind them.
Some of us also come from a different era, out of the last century so that colors our perspectives too. We have been around the block more than once, over a lot of these current concerns. We remember when "Question Authority" was a primary choice for bumper stickers. Except we may now be on that side of the issue today, when we might have rejected such impertinence in the past.
This town of late has not been open or friendly to a "broader range of solutions" , so this forum offering the opportunity to express and respond to a "broader range of solutions" making it a welcome breath of fresh air. City council and school boards used to be non-partisan and in fact were, until a few decades ago. Today they have become de facto highly partisan mono-culture, which also is a great concern.
That said, when an important upcoming election requires choosing one person over another, there will also be a reasonable expression for a currently preferred choice, since that is what is on the table right now. There is nothing to feel "suspicious" about - people are very open to thoughtful engagement here. Your call.
Thanks for sharing your concerns and your "suspicions". And your willingness to also join in the heavy lifting required long after election results are announced. No matter which way it goes. Much will be asked from both sides.
The global cruise ship industry is additionally controlled by the PVSA - Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886, which imposes similar "Jones Act" type regulations. This 1886 legislation leads to quirky itineraries in order to qualify the mainly North American cruise passenger traffic, sailing from cruise ports located in California. US mainland to Alaska, Hawaii or other exclusively coastal US cruises are impacted. Which may be a good thing, since it keeps our area from being overrun by demands for weekender cruises out of LA.
The PVSA is deemed ....... "a protectionist piece of United States legislation which came into force in 1886 relating to cabotage. Essentially, it says: No foreign vessels shall transport passengers between ports or places in the United States, either directly or by way of a foreign port, under a penalty of $200 for each passenger so transported and landed......"
Confounding international alliances and global competitions also mark the cargo shipping trade today. India's shipping giant Adani is in negotiations with Haifa, Israel to built the largest deep water cargo handling port in order to dominate the Mediterranean shipping trade. This would directly compete with the China-Pakistan Belt and Road trade routes, intended to by-pass India. Adani additionally has prior agreements with the Port of Baltimore.
Can't tell the real players today without a new program. So many new moving parts. At one time the cargo shipping trade was controlled by two legendary rivals Onassis and Niarchos, making Greece the global shipping power broker. Today, who knows what rival turf wars now ensue. Or what they would do to gain dominance.
Good article on how maritime laws affect our ports & shipping industry in general. Above all, I believe that we need to reset the laws that govern Our Country. We need to return Common Law, which was used as the basis of our constitution, the forming of our governments, and applied until the latter 1,800s. Under Common Law, we own the land on which we purchase. For strange (and hidden) reasons, we switched to Equity Law (drawn from Roman municipal law) shortly after the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1871. Then in 1938 we switched to Maritime Law (aka Admiralty Law), also for strange (hidden) reasons.
Mr Zepke, I would be interested in your legal opinion on the subject. For reference, this fellow Patriot provides a more detailed background of the changes to our legal system since our founding…
I read this Article by Mr. Zepke and I quote "CNN reporter and former FBI agent Andrew McCabe, at sunrise on the 26th, reported that there was no terrorist threat, and FBI Special Agent William DelBagno “concluded” – before any investigation had begun, – that there was no specific or credible info to suggest ties to terrorists."
My name is Howard Walther and I am a Naval Engineer having been trained at Submarine Base Bangor and Naval Shipyard Bremerton and review of the actual video shows serious problem on-board Dali just before Impact. We, that is the Navy, tracks all service vessels everywhere. They, that is the Navy, knows exactly what has happened. And they are not going to tell you, rest assured.
Get ready for some more down-home Cover-Up just like everything else going on these days.
Oh, I would look closer to the "Home-Town" Crowd for "Cover-Up" they also are good at it, but not good enough.
I will reply to my own post. FBI just announced their Investigation as to the DALI ramming the Bridge "FBI Opens Criminal Investigation of Baltimore Bridge Disaster" Just the rigth Naval Experts to investigate such a disaster. Hmmmm let me think here a bit ................ how about
Naval Criminal Investigation Services??? NCIS. I seem to remember them up on base when we had some "Naval" problems long ago.
While I understand and agree with Mr. Zepke's opinion about the Maryland Port Administration's use of DEI as its main hiring criteria, I'm confused about the role Zepke says was played by the Jones Act in the bridge disaster.
Mr. Zepke said, "The event exposed the flaw in the 104-year-old Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (46 USC 50101), aka “the Jones Act,” of prohibiting (sic) any ship operating between U.S. ports from being built, owned, or operated, by any U.S. company."
My understanding of the Jones Act is that it REQUIRES (my caps) that any cargo traveling by sea between two U.S. ports must sail on an American-owned ship, built in the United States and with a majority crew of U.S. citizens.
While the ill-fated Dali with its malfunctioning propulsion and steering was sailing from a U.S. port it was headed to Sri Lanka, so how did the Jones Act play into the bridge disaster?
As pointed out by SBC, Brent explained it in the earlier post ...
... but to summarize ...
We cannot regulate the operation, maintenance, or construction of these vessels under the Jones Act. The Dali - like virtually all maritime commercial shipping - operates in a netherworld of gray where only custom, tradition, an array of overlapping and contradictory rules, and self-interest ... ensure the safe conduct of shipping.
Brent is right ... but to be fair ... It's incredible how safe and effective maritime shipping is - without any such regulation. Thousands of these ships operate across the high seas - and deliver cargo without anyone getting hurt (at least not in the actual shipping - of course, some of the cargo is pretty nasty).
The website "Marine Traffic" vividly shows the numbers of ships plying our global oceans at any given time. Including the daily traffic in our very own Santa Barbara Channel, making the proposed 20 ship annual limit on cruise ships a token gesture compared, to the numbers of all manner of marine traffic traversing our coastal waters on a daily basis. https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-12.0/centery:25.0/zoom:4
While I totally get and agree with Mr. Zepke's position on the Maryland Port Administration hiring its leadership on the basis of DEI, I 'm confused about the role Mr. Zepke says the Jones Act played in the bridge disaster.
Zepke said, "The event exposed the flaw in the 104-year-old Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (46 USC 50101), aka 'The Jones Act' of prohibiting (sic) any ship operating between U.S. ports..."
Actually, the "Jones Act" REQUIRES (my caps) that any cargo traveling by sea between two U.S. ports must sail on an American-owned ship, built in the United States and with a majority crew of U.S. citizens.
While the ill-fated Dali with its malfunctioning propulsion and steering was leaving a U.S. port, it was not sailing to a U.S. Port so how does the Jones Act play into this disaster?
This was ABSOLUTELY NO ACCIDENT. Simply a test....damage our infrastructure. A practice run before hitting the Brooklyn/Golden Gate bridges. Or other vital paths of transport for goods. Sleepy Sniffer in the oval is allowing our borders to flow with terrorists and those hellbent to destroy America. Buckle up, folks, it's gonna get REALLY rough very soon.
Something else that port is known for, it’s the no 1 export port for our natural resources, I.e. coal
The largest consumer of our coal is India.
It’s going to take years to get that port up Crazy& running again.
Much like what the Nordstream pipeline was to Germany. When it “disappeared” what do you think happened? Better yet, why did “someone” attack the Nordstream pipeline in the middle of a bunch of NATO countries.
What are your thoughts?
And corporate media & 3 letter agencies say this is not terrorism?
It’s not “ the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims:”
Right, ok I believe you now. Because now you decided to tell the truth? Ever cry wolf?
Yes we do Topeka .... more wicked, racist, supremacist umeritorious and totally incompetent
people swarming the netherland so that we can have more and more DALI's. Think Santa Barbara on diversity steriods. Howard Walther, member of a Military Family
Sad, but true, Howard. ... It keeps getting worse.
When I was a kid, we poor white trash came last ... if at all. Oh, for such days.
In my last incarnation circa 2010, I hired white guys, women, Asians, and Gays who could not find a job anywhere else. No one wanted them because they were competent. If you were a competent American, no HR department wanted to have anything to do with you. Very sad.
Now I'm a "retired" landlord in rural Texas, and we have illegal families moving here ... from Dallas. They are coming here because we have good schools, low crime, and they believe our cops will protect their kids ... which I would have certified before Uvalde, but now I'm not so sure.
... Things must be bad when "illegals" flee the DFW metro to find a safe place for their kids. But that's where we're are. Where we're going is a nightmare.
People hired for their competence in DEI running things at the Baltimore Port Authority is just one example of ideological hiring instead of merit based hiring. This folly is now affecting the airlines, corporate executive suites, hospitals, universities, everywhere you look. The result is predictable; plane crashes, plagiarizing college presidents, barges running amok, bridge disasters, the White House Press Secretary, etc.
I find it's impossible to talk rationally to Bidenites about DEI - yes, there are a lot of people in Santa Barbara who think Biden us doing a great job because they are doing just fine, now get out of my bubble you fascist Trumpie. If you even mention that there have been an alarming number of transportation accidents recently, they will wave their hands at you and quote some MSM article about how, for example, flying is still much safer than driving as though that addresses anything about rising problems due to DEI hiring practices.
I believe you meant 1814.
Corrected, thank you Ray
Thanks Ray, I certainly did.
Excellent article btw. Thank you for writing it.
While I find the problems raised in this newsletter intriguing, I can't help but notice a recurring pattern: every proposed solution seems to pivot towards electing a particular individual as president. Frankly, this trend is raising my suspicions. I believe it's crucial for us to consider a broader range of solutions rather than fixating on a single political figure as the answer to every problem.
Do you suspect that I want the Left to stop raping my nation?
Well ... wonder no longer ...
I DO WANT THE LEFT TO STOP RAPING MY NATION.
And I really don't care who does the job. At this point, I'm just hoping the Left can be stopped before civilization collapses.
Keep reading Phil, most here know the issues go much deeper than the "election of just one person". In fact most know that is not, nor ever should be enough since it takes a House and Senate to get anything substantive done in the political arena. Otherwise, voters express they prefer gridlock after all. That happens too.
Many here are pretty keen civics scholars, who may also accept the Andrew Breitbart principle that politics follows culture. There is an overriding sense the culture right now is of major concern the more it deviates from our original constitutional principles - freedom of speech particularly vs the "cancel culture". Limited government vs Big Government. Fiscal independence vs massive public debt. Micromanaging nanny state vs free market-Protestant capitalism. Fortress America vs global watchdog. Private property protection vs confiscation of private property. These too are cultural issues and go well beyond the election of any one person.
I think it is reasonable to assume we are witnessing a critical transitional time in this country on all those stated issues, which makes everything very fluid including our mutual understanding of what exactly our governing principles are today. Underscoring the need to be able to freely express our concerns. I hope you are open and not judgmental, when listening to these concerns and recognize the sincerity behind them.
Some of us also come from a different era, out of the last century so that colors our perspectives too. We have been around the block more than once, over a lot of these current concerns. We remember when "Question Authority" was a primary choice for bumper stickers. Except we may now be on that side of the issue today, when we might have rejected such impertinence in the past.
This town of late has not been open or friendly to a "broader range of solutions" , so this forum offering the opportunity to express and respond to a "broader range of solutions" making it a welcome breath of fresh air. City council and school boards used to be non-partisan and in fact were, until a few decades ago. Today they have become de facto highly partisan mono-culture, which also is a great concern.
That said, when an important upcoming election requires choosing one person over another, there will also be a reasonable expression for a currently preferred choice, since that is what is on the table right now. There is nothing to feel "suspicious" about - people are very open to thoughtful engagement here. Your call.
Thanks for sharing your concerns and your "suspicions". And your willingness to also join in the heavy lifting required long after election results are announced. No matter which way it goes. Much will be asked from both sides.
The global cruise ship industry is additionally controlled by the PVSA - Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886, which imposes similar "Jones Act" type regulations. This 1886 legislation leads to quirky itineraries in order to qualify the mainly North American cruise passenger traffic, sailing from cruise ports located in California. US mainland to Alaska, Hawaii or other exclusively coastal US cruises are impacted. Which may be a good thing, since it keeps our area from being overrun by demands for weekender cruises out of LA.
The PVSA is deemed ....... "a protectionist piece of United States legislation which came into force in 1886 relating to cabotage. Essentially, it says: No foreign vessels shall transport passengers between ports or places in the United States, either directly or by way of a foreign port, under a penalty of $200 for each passenger so transported and landed......"
Confounding international alliances and global competitions also mark the cargo shipping trade today. India's shipping giant Adani is in negotiations with Haifa, Israel to built the largest deep water cargo handling port in order to dominate the Mediterranean shipping trade. This would directly compete with the China-Pakistan Belt and Road trade routes, intended to by-pass India. Adani additionally has prior agreements with the Port of Baltimore.
Can't tell the real players today without a new program. So many new moving parts. At one time the cargo shipping trade was controlled by two legendary rivals Onassis and Niarchos, making Greece the global shipping power broker. Today, who knows what rival turf wars now ensue. Or what they would do to gain dominance.
A couple of years ago the shipping industry moved off-shore from Greece when their government started to regulate and tax their shipping industry.
Good article on how maritime laws affect our ports & shipping industry in general. Above all, I believe that we need to reset the laws that govern Our Country. We need to return Common Law, which was used as the basis of our constitution, the forming of our governments, and applied until the latter 1,800s. Under Common Law, we own the land on which we purchase. For strange (and hidden) reasons, we switched to Equity Law (drawn from Roman municipal law) shortly after the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1871. Then in 1938 we switched to Maritime Law (aka Admiralty Law), also for strange (hidden) reasons.
Mr Zepke, I would be interested in your legal opinion on the subject. For reference, this fellow Patriot provides a more detailed background of the changes to our legal system since our founding…
https://www.bitchute.com/video/nTuQoDQt23hf/
Thank You Sir,
PS…supposedly, we will own nothing & be happy…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDrj7iDUly4&t=29s
I read this Article by Mr. Zepke and I quote "CNN reporter and former FBI agent Andrew McCabe, at sunrise on the 26th, reported that there was no terrorist threat, and FBI Special Agent William DelBagno “concluded” – before any investigation had begun, – that there was no specific or credible info to suggest ties to terrorists."
My name is Howard Walther and I am a Naval Engineer having been trained at Submarine Base Bangor and Naval Shipyard Bremerton and review of the actual video shows serious problem on-board Dali just before Impact. We, that is the Navy, tracks all service vessels everywhere. They, that is the Navy, knows exactly what has happened. And they are not going to tell you, rest assured.
Get ready for some more down-home Cover-Up just like everything else going on these days.
Oh, I would look closer to the "Home-Town" Crowd for "Cover-Up" they also are good at it, but not good enough.
Howard Walther, member of a Military Family
I will reply to my own post. FBI just announced their Investigation as to the DALI ramming the Bridge "FBI Opens Criminal Investigation of Baltimore Bridge Disaster" Just the rigth Naval Experts to investigate such a disaster. Hmmmm let me think here a bit ................ how about
Naval Criminal Investigation Services??? NCIS. I seem to remember them up on base when we had some "Naval" problems long ago.
Howard Walther member of a Military Family
While I understand and agree with Mr. Zepke's opinion about the Maryland Port Administration's use of DEI as its main hiring criteria, I'm confused about the role Zepke says was played by the Jones Act in the bridge disaster.
Mr. Zepke said, "The event exposed the flaw in the 104-year-old Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (46 USC 50101), aka “the Jones Act,” of prohibiting (sic) any ship operating between U.S. ports from being built, owned, or operated, by any U.S. company."
My understanding of the Jones Act is that it REQUIRES (my caps) that any cargo traveling by sea between two U.S. ports must sail on an American-owned ship, built in the United States and with a majority crew of U.S. citizens.
While the ill-fated Dali with its malfunctioning propulsion and steering was sailing from a U.S. port it was headed to Sri Lanka, so how did the Jones Act play into the bridge disaster?
As pointed out by SBC, Brent explained it in the earlier post ...
... but to summarize ...
We cannot regulate the operation, maintenance, or construction of these vessels under the Jones Act. The Dali - like virtually all maritime commercial shipping - operates in a netherworld of gray where only custom, tradition, an array of overlapping and contradictory rules, and self-interest ... ensure the safe conduct of shipping.
Brent is right ... but to be fair ... It's incredible how safe and effective maritime shipping is - without any such regulation. Thousands of these ships operate across the high seas - and deliver cargo without anyone getting hurt (at least not in the actual shipping - of course, some of the cargo is pretty nasty).
Have a great week, Hib!
The website "Marine Traffic" vividly shows the numbers of ships plying our global oceans at any given time. Including the daily traffic in our very own Santa Barbara Channel, making the proposed 20 ship annual limit on cruise ships a token gesture compared, to the numbers of all manner of marine traffic traversing our coastal waters on a daily basis. https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-12.0/centery:25.0/zoom:4
20? ... face palm. Is that even worth the time to set up the port facilities to receive passengers and their supplies? ... ;-)
While I totally get and agree with Mr. Zepke's position on the Maryland Port Administration hiring its leadership on the basis of DEI, I 'm confused about the role Mr. Zepke says the Jones Act played in the bridge disaster.
Zepke said, "The event exposed the flaw in the 104-year-old Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (46 USC 50101), aka 'The Jones Act' of prohibiting (sic) any ship operating between U.S. ports..."
Actually, the "Jones Act" REQUIRES (my caps) that any cargo traveling by sea between two U.S. ports must sail on an American-owned ship, built in the United States and with a majority crew of U.S. citizens.
While the ill-fated Dali with its malfunctioning propulsion and steering was leaving a U.S. port, it was not sailing to a U.S. Port so how does the Jones Act play into this disaster?
Good question, Hib. Brent Zepke covered this in his earlier article on the bridge disaster. https://www.sbcurrent.com/p/baltimore-bridge-collapse-exposes?r=12we52&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
This was ABSOLUTELY NO ACCIDENT. Simply a test....damage our infrastructure. A practice run before hitting the Brooklyn/Golden Gate bridges. Or other vital paths of transport for goods. Sleepy Sniffer in the oval is allowing our borders to flow with terrorists and those hellbent to destroy America. Buckle up, folks, it's gonna get REALLY rough very soon.
Where’s Mayor Pete?!?!?!
That port is the largest importer of autos.
Something else that port is known for, it’s the no 1 export port for our natural resources, I.e. coal
The largest consumer of our coal is India.
It’s going to take years to get that port up Crazy& running again.
Much like what the Nordstream pipeline was to Germany. When it “disappeared” what do you think happened? Better yet, why did “someone” attack the Nordstream pipeline in the middle of a bunch of NATO countries.
What are your thoughts?
And corporate media & 3 letter agencies say this is not terrorism?
It’s not “ the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims:”
Right, ok I believe you now. Because now you decided to tell the truth? Ever cry wolf?
Eco-terrorism cannot be discounted as a possible causes, when major energy production supply lines are disrupted .
tsk, tsk, tsk, Brent ... I sense an unbeliever ...
Surely you're not saying you want some of that wicked, racist, supremacist nonsense about 'merit' to interfere with our progress towards Utopia?
Yes we do Topeka .... more wicked, racist, supremacist umeritorious and totally incompetent
people swarming the netherland so that we can have more and more DALI's. Think Santa Barbara on diversity steriods. Howard Walther, member of a Military Family
Sad, but true, Howard. ... It keeps getting worse.
When I was a kid, we poor white trash came last ... if at all. Oh, for such days.
In my last incarnation circa 2010, I hired white guys, women, Asians, and Gays who could not find a job anywhere else. No one wanted them because they were competent. If you were a competent American, no HR department wanted to have anything to do with you. Very sad.
Now I'm a "retired" landlord in rural Texas, and we have illegal families moving here ... from Dallas. They are coming here because we have good schools, low crime, and they believe our cops will protect their kids ... which I would have certified before Uvalde, but now I'm not so sure.
... Things must be bad when "illegals" flee the DFW metro to find a safe place for their kids. But that's where we're are. Where we're going is a nightmare.
Have a great week, Howard!